Sources: Everton make Abdoulaye Doucoure decision in new twist
Everton are expected to activate Abdoulaye Docoure’s contract extension, sources have told Football Insider.
Doucoure’s current deal at Goodison Park expires in June but includes the option of a further 12 months.
It is believed that Everton are ready to activate the extension following the midfielder’s transformation under Sean Dyche.
It would stop the 30-year-old leaving for nothing this summer and protect his re-sale value.
Doucoure joined the Merseyside club from Watford in 2020 for a reported £25million including add-ons.
He has made 87 appearances for Everton since his arrival and has scored six goals and provided eight assists during those outings.
This season, the centre-mid has featured in 17 Premier League games for the Toffees and has started just nine of those fixtures, seven of which have come under new boss Sean Dyche.
The Mali international struggled for minutes under former manager Frank Lampard.
Speaking to Sky Sports (5 March), Doucoure revealed that he was “close to leaving” in January after missing out on first team opportunities for most of the first half of the season.
But, the midfielder insisted he loves the club and was desperate to stay and play, adding that he was “very happy” with Dyche’s appointment.
Doucoure also scored his first goal of the season last weekend in the Toffees’ 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest (5 March).
Everton are currently 15th in the Premier League but only one point above the relegation zone and have played one extra game than the five teams below them.
The relegation contenders have their next test when they face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday (18 March).
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